Medical centre plans for derelict care home

A derelict care home that became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour could be transformed into a new medical centre.

New plans for Saxonside Resource Centre, in Middleton, would see it converted into a hub with a doctor’s surgery, a dentist and pharmacy.

The proposals – which echo an earlier scheme from five years ago – also include a children’s nursery and play area at the 0.3-hectare site on Windermere Road, Langley.

The two-storey building has stood empty since 2010 due to a disagreement between its three doctor owners over what to do with it.

Rochdale Council moved to use its powers to compulsorily purchase the building last year – but this prompted its sale to a new owner and the emergence of a new planning application.

The proposals have been submitted by Somer Rana.

West Middleton councillor Phil Burke said the news would come as a ‘big relief’ to residents, after years of problems at the site.

He said: “We welcome any decision to turn it into a medical centre. This is long overdue – it has blighted Langley Estate and has been a magnet for all kinds of anti-social behaviour.

“There have been teenagers hanging around setting fire to the building, causing criminal damage and using threatening behaviour towards local residents.”

He continued: “It’s put a lot of pressure on the police as we have been calling them 24/7, to get them to come out and deal with issues.

“It will be a big relief for the people of Langley, to see that something is being done with the building.”

The doctor’s surgery and children’s day nursery would both be split between the ground and first floors, while the pharmacy would be based on the ground floor.

The outward appearance of the building would remain ‘largely unchanged’ but improved by new window frames, a glazed entrance lobby and the reconstruction of the existing conservatory.

The centre, which is expected to create 12 new jobs, would also be served by 34 car parking spaces. 

A design and access statement submitted with the application reads: “The proposed development is intended to improve access to health care facilities for the community, as the existing provision is considered to be inadequate for the present demands, as well as providing a children’s nursery for the wider community. 

“It is considered that the site is well served by public transport and that the facility is accessible to the community it is intended to serve.”

A decision on whether to approve the scheme will be made by Rochdale Council.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter